Xavi: Barcelona rediscovering intensity under Martino

With the Liga opening encounter against Levante this Sunday, the veteran midfielder has praised the Argentine coach and has little doubt he will succeed at the Camp Nou side.

Xavi believes that Barcelona has found a renewed intensity since the arrival of new head coach Gerardo Martino earlier this summer.

The Spain international says the squad is adapting well to Martino's preferred style of play, with the new coach offering a forthright appraisal on what he expects from his side. Xavi is confident that the new man in charge will be a success as Barca look to defend their title this season.

"He is a leader, capable, prepared and has experience," Xavi told Sport. "He is transmitting a lot to us. We are recovering a little of the intensity and rhythm that perhaps we lost for various reasons towards the end of last season. We are pressing very well and working well physically.

"He is adding things that he is influencing a lot. For example, on set pieces we are working differently. We are adjusting, and he is a guy that is very clear about what he wants."

Barcelona begins the defense of its Liga title when it welcomes Levante to Camp Nou on Sunday.